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Factors influencing knowledge management practices in financial institutions.A survey of Saccos in Meru County.
No full textIn the fast changing business environment, knowledge has become the mainstay of every organization in creating and sustaining competitive differentiation. This study sought • to investigate the factors influencing knowledge management practices of financial institutions in Meru County. Business enterprises operate in environments characterized by increased need for intellectual capital and knowledge to create and sustain competitive advantages. Organizations therefore, need to be cognizant of the factors that influence the success of knowledge management initiatives. There is increasing need for knowledge management as a strategy for creating and sustaining competitiveness. In order for financial institutions such as Sacco's to succeed in highly dynamic business environment, it is critical that they embrace knowledge management practices in. their operations. This study used a descriptive survey design. The target population was the 44 human resource managers of the 44 SACCOs in Meru County which have been in existence for over two years in the year 2014. The study used census study methodology. The study used both primary and secondary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Logistic regression was also used to link the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable and to test the hypothesis. Descriptive data was presented in the form of frequency tables, pie charts and percentages. The study concluded that the knowledge management practices factors were significantly associated with successful knowledge management practice. These findings provide some meaningful implications for the practitioners and researchers that are interesting in knowledge management system design in financial institutions. The researcher recommends that: Awareness to management be made so as to understand the importance of knowledge management as a strategic asset which gives organisation sustainable competitive advantage. Saccos to have a website where norms, values and inspirations are disseminated to the stakeholders. The organisations to have on-job training and off-job training for employees so as to have employees who can serve customers better and this will lead to an increase in the number of clients. The organisations to encourage employees to be innovative by rewarding innovative employees. The power of the organisation to be decentralized so as to improve organisation efficiency
Influence of primary school headteachers' management practices in performance of Kenya certificate of primary education in Tigania East sub county.
No full textABSTRACT
The role of a head teacher in a school in regard to management of the institution and implementation is very crucial. Tigania East is a sub county in Meru County. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of primary school head teachers' management in the performance of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). This research was necessitated by poor performance witnessed in the Sub-County for the last . The study targeted 104 public primary schools in the Sub-county. The respondents included 10 head teachers, 90 teachers, 278 pupils, 2 education officers and 4 parents focused groups. The study used descriptive survey research design. The data was collected using questionnaire for head teachers, teachers and pupils. Interview schedules ministered to education officers while parents focused groups were subjected to discussions. Piloting was done in three primary schools to check the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 15.0. It was concluded from the results that 70% of the support school programs, 30% ,are not aware of what happens in school and do not attend meetings called by the headteachers. According 50 percent of headteachers, primary schools in the Sub-county have no guidance and counseling programs. However all teachers asserted that guidance and counseling is used to reduce cases of indiscipline in their respective schools .. According to 90 percent of headteachers, all hers and pupils, indiscipline cases affect school performance. According to 60% of hers schools receive support from politicians; however 28.9% of them indicated that are transferred on political grounds. It was observed that political campaigns often disrupt the normal running of schools. Eighty percent of the pupils approved the way school resources contributed to KCPE performance. Fifty nine percent of the teachers, .52% pupils and 60% of headteachers indicated that schools had programs geared towards motivation. Consequently, it was recommended that primary school head hers in Tigania East Sub County should devise ways of involving parents in motivating teachers and encouraging parents to attend meeting in schools. Headteachers -should learn how to deal with politicians to minimize their interference with the school airs. Issues of discipline should be handled by both teachers and parents. The headteachers should improve on their integrity in order to win support from all stakeholders
Factors influencing pursuance of higher academic qualifications by nurses at Kenyatta national hospital, Kenya.
Get PDFWith an unprecedented growth in professional knowledge, rapid changes in health care system, changes in the nurse's role and emergence of new diseases, it is imperative for nurses to pursue higher academic qualification to develop specialized skills to better manage health care. This study aimed at determining factors that influenced nurses to pursue higher academic qualifications at Kenyatta National Hospital. The objectives of the study were to identify personal factors that influence nurses to pursue higher academic qualifications in KNH, establish professional factors that influence nurses to pursue higher academic qualifications in KNH and determine institutional factors that influence nurses to pursue higher academic qualifications in KNH. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study in which purposive and systematic sampling were used to select the sample. The sample comprised 166 respondents from a total population of 1590 nurses working at Kenyatta National Hospital. Data was collected over a period of four weeks using self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using version 20 of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results established that about half of the nurses (48%) were initially ECN qualified but had upgraded while 67.7% had upgraded from their initial qualifications. Among the factors that influenced nurses to upgrade were desire to improve knowledge and skills (r=0.916, p-value 0.006), empowerment(r=0.822, p-value 0.021), flexibility of the mode of study(r=0.809, p-value 0.000) and distance of the learning institution (r=0.791, p-value 0.019). The study concluded that family responsibilities, lack of sufficient time, constant changes in the profession, work study balance, heavy work load and getting study leave were the key challenges. The most preferred modes of study were part-time and distance learning. In addition, age remained an important factor influencing nurses to pursue further studies.
From the foregoing findings and conclusion it was recommended that the academic institutions should develop upgrading programs with flexible modes of study to cater for the working students. Also, Health care institutions should offer employees incentives for upgrading and a need to revamp nursing education policies and curricula to encourage modern methods of learning
A case of Bungoma County, Kenya.
Get PDFA wealth of data is available within the healthcare systems more so at community level. However, lack of effective use of information shared during dialoguing at the community level in Bungoma County posed a great challenge despite efforts by government in recognising community care services as critical level 1 service. Health indices have remained on a worsening trend with service utilisations very low. The purpose of the study was to inform service utilisation, promote use of community health information to improve health outcomes. The main objective was to determine the community health information system utility to improve health outcomes in Bungoma County. The specific objectives were to assess the community units level of use of information processes for improved community health services; to identify the technical tools for sharing information during community dialogue and action days; establish community health information system capacities affecting sharing of available information and determine what organisational factors influence sharing and use of community health information. The study was descriptive cross-sectional design. The study employed a combination of stratified clusters proportionate to population size and applied simple random sampling technique with a proportion of 30% of target population as representative sample. The target population was (N =163) with a sample size of nh =54 community units. A structured interview questionnaire both closed and open-ended was administered to Community Health extension workers and 3 in-depth focus group discussions. Data analysis generated univariate frequencies and interpretation using tables and charts. The expected outcome was utility of health information. Results showed that response rate 44 (81.5%), 35 (79.5%) with knowledge on data management and 39 (88.6%) generated monthly summaries with 34(77.3%) with overall utility of community information using white/chalkboards. 27(60.6%) provided feedback and shared information during dialogue days monthly at 41(93.2%) and 17(38.6%) respectively. Information had inadequate involvement in design 14(32%), unavailability of data tools in 39(89%) and less use of appropriate technologies. 26(59.1%) had knowledge on kind of information required, 27(61.4%) analysed this information while, 42(95.5%) used information for evidence based-decision making. Income generating activities supported by partners in 6(13.6%) of the units. Community formal structures was in 32(72.7%) units and shared information in dialogue 54(100%), 36(81.8%) using "Barazas" while, 31(70.5% through health promotion and education. Majority 40 (90.7 %) were empowered through support supervision using standard procedures and checklists. Regression analysis using ANOVAa showed that results were moderately correlated with utility of community information with correlation Coefficientsa 0.017 at 13 0.538b, while Pearson Chi-Square Tests compared with use of information with linear association of 0.910 had a likelihood ratio of Fisher's Exact Test of 0.658 thus, result moderately significant. In conclusion knowledge was above average; information was regularly shared through community dialogues; while design, technical tools and empowerment of communities were weak and inadequate and finally the system was well structured though not resourced and uncoordinated. It was recommended that both National and County governments to emphasize on regular feedback to promote information utility; adequately provide technical capacities and mentorships
Factors influencing access to business development services by women entrepreneurs
No full textHD 2346 .N93 2015Small and micro enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as important economic drivers both the developed and developing countries. Kenya identifies the development of SMEs as one of the main strategies for industrialization, employment generation and poverty reduction. However SMEs face numerous constraints to growth and performance and various players including governments, donor agencies, and private sector practitioners have turned to Business Development Services to offer solutions to these challenges. Business development services generally seek to raise the profitability and enhance the growth and competitiveness of enterprises, and if appropriately applied, can act as an enhancer of access to finance and as an alternative form of "collateral" in circumstances where tangible collateral may be an impediment to meeting traditional security requirements. However studies conducted in Kenya and elsewhere indicate that on average only 7% of SMEs have had access to Business Development Services (BDS). This study sought to establish the influence of various factors influencing access to Business development services (BDS) by women entrepreneurs in Meru Municipality. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population was women entrepreneurs in Meru Municipality. Selected categories of businesses were identified for the study and a sample of 42 respondents chosen. The data was collected by administering a questionnaire to the respondents. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression with help of SPSS statistical package. The results presented in tables and figures. The test of hypothesis was done using regression analysis. The study revealed that awareness, cost of business development services, networks, and nature of business development services had a significant relationship with level of access to business development services which accounts for 74.5% of the variations of the dependent variable. The significance of the independent variables to dependent variable was found as follows: networks (0.00 I); awareness (0.003); cost of BDS (0.005) and Nature of BDS (0.12) in that order. The study also revealed that in Meru Municipality majority (64%) of women entrepreneurs were aware of existing business development services and understood the importance of the services and this explains the high rate of access to diverse business development services, like for example advice on how to access to business credit (90%). The study recommends the need by government, NGOs, financial institutions and other business development providers to reassess policies and strategies related to the delivery of the services in order to increase the number of those accessing the services since a significant number (16. 7) of entrepreneurs were found to be dissatisfied with the services. The study recommends further research on the effect of government and other stakeholders' policies on access to business development services by women entrepreneurs in Meru Municipality
Factors influencing the management of non-perfoming loans in commercial banks
No full textHG 1615 .K54 2015Financial Institutions are very important in any economy as they mobilize savings for productive investments and facilitate capital flows to various sectors of the economy, thus, stimulating investments and increasing productivity. Loans have a vital contribution towards development of any economy. However, its non-payment leads to incidence of huge loss on banks in particular and the country in general. This study investigated the factors influencing the management of non-performing loans in Commercial Banks. The principal motivation behind the study was the absence of empirical studies specifically in Meru Municipality on the management of non¬performing loans and the recognition of the critical role bank loans play in the economy. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of insider lending, loan performance assessment, general economic conditions and credit risk identification on the management of non-performing loans in commercial banks. Four theories were considered relevant to the study; Agency theory, Information asymmetry theory, Moral Hazard Theory and the Stakeholder theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 100 bank officers; ten credit managers and ninety credit officers. The sample size was determined by census method for credit managers and simple random was used to select fifty credit officers from the ten leading commercial banks ranked according to their value of net asset as available from the Central Bank of Kenya listing. This resulted to a sample size of 60 respondents. A well designed self- administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected while logistic regression was used to link the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable and to test hypothesis at 5% level of significance. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS and presented in form of tables and graphs. The findings revealed that insider lending, loan performance assessment; general economic conditions and credit risk identification all had a significance influence on the management of non-performing loans. The study recommends that loan officials must carefully grant loans by basing their consideration on loan analysis principles, using their discernment as well as experience to verify debtor credibility; i.e., debt repayment ability, capital management and collateral sufficiency. In addition, Loan officials should strictly and regularly monitor how the loan is used in order to be able to promptly handle arising problems
Utilization of simulation method for clinical teaching and learning of diploma nursing students in Tanzania:A case of Mwanza region
No full textRT 73.S5 2014Simulation is a teaching method that can replicate clinical practices in a safe environment and minimize the existing clinical challenges. Although endorsed in nursing curricular, very little emphasis has been paid, to make effective use of the method. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried which employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The purpose of the study was to investigate the utilization of simulation method for clinical teaching and learning of diploma nursing students in Mwanza region, Tanzania and determine factors' influencing its utilization. Since the number of subjects was considered relatively small, census was adopted to involve all 19 nurse tutors and 126 diploma student nurses, from private and government diploma nursing schools in Mwanza. Self-administered structured. questionnaires, interview schedules and observation checklist were used to gather information from the tutors and students regarding utilization of simulation method for clinical teaching, and learning of students. All the data. collection instruments were pilot tested to ensure their quality in soliciting for the required data. Data analysis was done using the (SPSS) version 17.0, computer software and verbatim data. we.re organized according to their themes. Thereafter, results presented using. graphs, charts and frequency tables. Results from the study indicated that the majority of nurse tutors had substantial knowledge on simulation as a teaching method and had positive attitude to the method .. However, lack of skills. in using standardized _patients and importance of debriefing was less known or not understood by some tutors. Inadequate simulation training, simulation equipment, time and space in simulation laboratories were pointed out as being common factors influencing. effective utilization of simulation. Majority of students perceived simulation method as a tool to enhance confidence and improve their learning outcome. It was recommended that more effort should be put on improving. simulation method training in the country, to help nurse tutors use simulation method effectively, to transfer knowledge into practice
Evaluation of readiness for self-directed learning among diploma nursing students in Tanzania
No full textRJ 499.3 .N3 201
Factors influencing implementation of guidance and counseling in public primary schools in Kasarani District, Nairobi county.
No full textThe Kenyan government realized the importance of guidance and counseling in schools in early 1960s. Since then there has been a guidance and counseling unit in the Ministry of Education whose aim has been to encourage implementation of guidance and counseling in schools. Despite the nine months in service training given to the teachers in 2006, the expected results are not realized as there are still increased reported cases of drugs and substance use and abuse, delinquency, truancy, dropping out of school, sexual abuse and harassment and teenage pregnancies. The implementation of guidance and counseling is further worsened by inadequacy of the required resources such as books, furniture, charts and counseling room among many others. This is more so in public primary schools in Kasarani District where poor implementation of the guidance and counseling programs has led to increasing cases of indiscipline, high absenteeism and deteriorating academic performance. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing implementation of guidance and counseling in public primary schools in Kasarani District, Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised of teachers and students from the twenty two public primary schools in Kasarani District from which 50 teachers were purposefully selected and 50 students selected randomly. Data was collected by the use of semi structured questionnaires. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics while content analysis was used for the qualitative data. The study yielded a 85% response rate. The perceived indicators of implementation of guidance and counseling by the key resources teachers in public primary schools in Kasarani district were identified and assessed as the number of teachers in charge of guidance and counseling services is inadequate, time allocated for guidance and counseling was insufficient, fear by the pupils that the guidance and counseling teachers may not keep their sessions confidential. The study further found that the factors influencing implementation of guidance and counseling services in public primary schools in Kasarani District included inadequate funding and lack of transparency in handling the funding, a weak relationship among
Key stakeholders in guidance and counseling programs, absence of coordination and systems support. So far, strategies adopted among these schools towards the effective implementation and sustenance of guidance and counseling programs can therefore be considered weak, owing to the lack of these key resources. The study recommends that the government through the relevant organs such as the ministry of education formulate binding policies that will see the adoption of guidance and counseling policies in public primary schools. Individual schools through the administration also need to take this reality into consideration and leverage the guidance and counseling programs and fully integrate the same into their systems in order to keep the young children in check and boost academic performance, discipline, morality, retention and career choice. The principals in the schools together with the school management should allocate more time and resources to the guidance and counselling programs to enhance their efficiency. This is more so in regard to the counseling venue and provision of key resources
Investigating prevalence of workplace conflicts among primary school teachers; a case of Nyeri county, Central Kenya
No full textA school is an institution with learners, teachers, parents, and the support staff. The main objective of the teachers is to impart skills and knowledge to the learners. In the process of interaction among these groups, conflicts occur. Conflicts among teachers can have adverse effects on learners and the teachers as well. The purpose of this research was to investigate prevalence of workplace conflicts among teachers in Nyeri County. The main objective was to establish causes of conflicts among primary school teachers in Nyeri County. A qualitative research design, involving survey method of data collection was used. The sample consisted of 14 head teachers and 147 teachers out of a target population of 142 head teachers and 1472 teachers. Three education officers were also sampled from the eight districts. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to the teachers and head teachers while interviews were conducted with the education officers. A pilot study was done to find out whether the tools were effective in soliciting for the data required. During the pilot study, a reliability test was done using split-half and Cronbach Alpha to estimate the internal consistency of the instruments. A reliability coefficient of 0. 76 was obtained. The researcher took the questionnaires to the selected schools and waited for the head teachers and teachers to respond. The information was statistically analyzed using SPSS computer software. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using identified themes or categories among the data. From the analyzed data it was concluded that conflicts occur in all the schools that the respondents were drawn from. Personality differences, administration and resources were found to be among the causes of conflicts. The head teachers used different methods to resolve the conflicts that occurred in their schools. Consequently it was recommended that a well laid structure of resolving conflicts in primary schools be put in place